Obtaining a China Visa in NYC

China requires U.S. citizens to have visas in their passport to visit the country.

U.S. citizens who want to visit the People's Republic of China are required to have visas issued by the Chinese government in their passports. A visa is a document that gives the passport holder permission to enter a country. China does not issue visas at the port of entry, so visitors need to get their visas before leaving for this Asian nation. China has a consulate in New York City that makes it convenient for residents of the city and surrounding area to get their visas.

Things You'll Need

• Valid passport
• Application form
• Passport-style photograph
• Money

Instructions

1. Determine the type of visa you need. China issues several types of visas; most people will want a tourist visa, though visas are available for businessmen, students, journalists and people going to work there. The application is the same for all types.

2. Download an application form from the consulate's website and print it out. Fill it out, making sure to fill in all the blanks; put NA if the question does not apply to you. Make sure you have the required documentation (some visas require a letter of invitation), and attach a passport-style photo to the upper corner.

3. Take the completed application, your passport and a check for visa fees to the visa office which is located at 520 12th Avenue, at the corner of 42nd Street and 12th Avenue in Manhattan. The visa fee was $140 as of May 2011, but it can change at any time. The consulate does not accept applications by mail; if you cannot hand-deliver the application yourself, you can pay a visa service agency to do this for you. Visa service agencies, such as SamedayPassport.com and ItsEasy.com Passport & Visa Service, accept applications by mail.

4. Return to the consulate to pick up your passport. When you submit your application, you will be told when your passport and visa will be ready. Unless you request rush service, this will generally be a week after you submit your paperwork.

Tips & Warnings

• At times, the Chinese government requires tourists to provide copies of airline tickets and hotel reservations with their visa applications. Either take these with you, or call the consulate before you go, to see if you need them.

• The consulate suggests submitting visa applications from 9 to 10:30 a.m. daily or all day on Wednesdays and Thursdays as the office is less busy then.

• Make sure you have at at least one blank page in your passport; the visa takes an entire page.

• The consulate closes for Chinese holidays as well as U.S. holidays, so check the website for closures so you won't make an unnecessary trip.

• Make sure your application is filled out neatly and completely. Don't give the Chinese an excuse to refuse your visa.

References

• Chinese Consulate: New York City:
• Chinese Consulate: Visa Application Form
• SamedayPassport, 14 Penn Plaza 225 W. 34th St., New York City 10122
• ItsEasy Passport & Visa Service, 360 Lexington Ave., New York City10017

Resources

• Chinese Embassy
• Health Information for Travelers to China